A Word from the Abbess

"She must therefore be learned in the divine law, that she may have a treasure of knowledge from which to bring forth new things and old." - Rule of St Benedict, 64

In the Cistercian-Benedictine monastic tradition, the role of the abbess or leader of the community is essential. She holds the place of Christ in the monastery by acting as teacher, shepherd, physician, gardener and mother to the sisters under her care. Her mission is a challenging one, since she must adapt herself to many different characters in order to draw them toward salvation, and she stands accountable before God for the soul of each. She is called to place mercy before judgment, always seeking to be loved rather than feared. More than anything, her mission is to love, and thus to manifest Christ to all.

Here are some Chapter talks given by our abbess on the occasion of a Clothing, Temporary or Solemn Vows, or a Jubilee celebration.